What are Official Copies from the Land Registry and what do they show?

Official copies from HM Land Registry in England and Wales refer to certified documents that provide legal proof of ownership and other important details about a property. These documents, which are publicly available, are issued by the Land Registry, which is the government department responsible for maintaining records of land and property ownership in England and Wales. Here are some key points about official copies:

1. Title Register:

The Title Register is a key component of the official copies. It contains essential information about the property, including the title number, the registered owner’s details, any registrable restrictions or rights affecting the property and details of any mortgages or charges registered against it.

The Title Register is divided into three distinct sections:

a) The Property Register. This section defines the property that is registered and will reference the definition to the Title Plan. It sets out the Local Authority in which the property is situate and also the tenure of the property, in other words whether it is freehold, leasehold or (very rarely) commonhold. If the property is leasehold it will set out the date of the original lease, the parties to that lease, the original term and, quite often, the rent reserved on granting of the lease. It can often be the case that any rights of way or other easements are noted in this section (as well as in the Charges Register).

b) The Proprietorship Register. This section sets out the names of the registered proprietor(s) of the property along with their registered address and (if the proprietor us an English or Welsh company) their company number. It often also sets out the price or consideration paid for the property in its last dealing. This section is also where you can determine if the property is held as joint tenants or tenants in common if there are more than one proprietor.

c) The Charges Register. This section sets out any legal charges (usually mortgages) which are registered against the property. It will provide details of the lender but does not usually provide any information as to the suns secured against the property. It also may set out any equitable charges that may have been registered. In this section you will often see restrictions or covenants governing the property. They can sometimes be listed in their entirety in the register or by reference to other documents which can be obtained separately from the Land Registry.

2. Title Plan:

The Title Plan is a visual representation of the property’s boundaries, usually based on Ordnance Survey maps. It shows the extent of the property and may also (depending on the Title Register) show any rights of way or other easements that may exist. It is usually drawn to quite a small scale.

3. Certification:

Official copies from the Land Registry usually bear an official certification, indicating that they are genuine and accurate representations of the property’s registered details. This certification adds credibility and legal validity to the documents.

4. Proof of Ownership:

Official copies serve as conclusive evidence of ownership and are often required in various legal and financial transactions involving the property. They provide assurance to buyers, lenders and other parties such as lenders that the property is registered and the information provided is accurate.

5. Obtaining Official Copies:

Official copies can be obtained from the Land Registry either online or by postal application. There is usually a fee associated with obtaining these documents, and different types of official copies are available, for example, leases, copies or transfers and legal charges as well as the Title Register and Title Plan.

6. Importance in Conveyancing:

Official copies play a crucial role in the conveyancing process when buying or selling a property. They are typically requested by solicitors or conveyancers to verify ownership, review any restrictions or rights affecting the property and ensure that the transaction is legally sound.

In summary, official copies from the Land Registry in England and Wales are certified documents that provide legal proof of ownership and other important details about a property. They are crucial for verifying ownership, conducting property transactions and ensuring legal compliance.

Are you interested in obtaining a conveyancing quote? Then why not get in touch with us on 020 7537 7000 or email quote@london-law.co.uk and see what we can do for you?

This blog was prepared by Alexander JLO’s property partner Matt Johnson. Matt has many years of experience of dealing with property work and specialises in new build and shared ownership properties.  His profile on the independent Review Solicitor website and be found Here